Over 40% of the Gulf War veterans in Milwaukee, Wisconsin suffer from Gulf War Syndrome. In theory, since the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges the condition, it should be easy for them to obtain disability benefits. In practice, less than 20% of veterans disability benefits claims referring to Gulf War-related illnesses are approved.
The reasons are numerous. The U.S. Government Accountability Office emphasizes the poor training of the medical examiners throughout the country, the lack of clarity of the VA’s decision letters, and the lack of a clear definition of the Gulf War Syndrome or Illnesses.
Other reasons are the numerous faults and mistakes in the documentation the applicants for veterans disability benefits in Milwaukee make. The Gulf War Syndrome is one of the most complex and difficult to diagnose conditions, so applicants need to include consistent evidence of the symptoms they experience and clear diagnosis reports.
Unfortunately, many of them neglect symptoms or turn to doctors who do not have enough experience with the condition. They end up with piles of medical reports and no clear diagnosis, leaving the VA representatives to draw the conclusions. Obviously, the conclusion is rarely in their favor, especially if the documentation they submit fails to prove the connection between the condition and their military service.
The claims that do get approved are usually those handled by veterans disability benefits lawyers with relevant experience in handling claims related to the Gulf War Syndrome. Unfortunately, many Milwaukee veterans refuse to request their help, worrying that they cannot afford the fees, and falling for the claims of the Veterans Affairs Department.
They do not realize that if their claim is rejected, they lose not only money but also valuable time and effort. They also do not realize the difficulty of proving Gulf War Syndrome, falling for the claims of the Veterans Affairs that they acknowledge the undiagnosed, unexplainable cluster of illnesses.
The Importance of Working with an Experienced Gulf War Syndrome Disability Lawyer in Milwaukee, WI
The best way to understand the importance of working with a veterans disability benefits lawyer in Milwaukee is to take a closer look at how the Veterans Affairs Department perceives the Gulf War Syndrome and their eligibility requirements for disability benefits.
The institution rejects the term of “Gulf War Syndrome”. Instead, they define the condition as a cluster of chronic symptoms with no medical explanation. These symptoms include but are not limited to headaches, fatigue, joint pain, insomnia, indigestion, dizziness, memory problems, and respiratory conditions.
So far, everything seems meant to help veterans receive the disability benefits they deserve without too much trouble. However, a close look at the eligibility requirements makes it clear that the devil hides in the details.
Veterans have to prove that:
- Applicants have to prove when the symptoms appeared, but, in reality, many veterans wait for months and try various treatment alternatives before turning to doctors for a diagnosis
- The symptoms should not have any other cause than the sufferer’s military service in Southwest Asia, but doctors always have explanations for headaches, indigestion, joint pain, and the other symptoms listed above
- The disability must be the result of undiagnosed illnesses, diagnosable gastrointestinal disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia
It is important to note that the VA cares more about what the applicant can prove rather than their actual state of health. If the applicant cannot prove when or where they served or when the first symptoms began, chances are the VA will deny their claim.
If the medical reports are inconclusive, the claimant may have to undergo a medical evaluation with a doctor the VA appoints, and there is no guarantee the doctor will not find an explanation for the symptoms they display.
As if this were not enough, if the VA discovers any inconsistencies or loose ends in a claim, they will reject it and send the claimant a letter which, in theory, should justify their verdict. In practice, the letter is ambiguous and unhelpful, so even if the claimant appeals their decision, they will not know what they did wrong and how to make it better.
Of course, those who work with a veteran disability benefits lawyer with experience in Gulf War Syndrome claims in Milwaukee will not have to worry about any of the above-reviewed aspects. Their lawyer will evaluate their claim, advise them on what further evidence to obtain, help them obtain it, and handle all the paperwork on their behalf.
Even if the worst happens and the VA denies their veterans disability benefits, the lawyer will not rest until they identify and address the exact reason of the rejection, securing a favorable verdict and obtaining the benefits their client deserves.
Leave Your Gulf War Syndrome Disability Claim in the Hands of an Experienced Milwaukee Lawyer
Do you suffer from Gulf War Syndrome and you are worried the VA will reject your claim or you have already received their rejection lawyer and you are preparing for an appeal? At Tabak Law, we have helped many veterans in Milwaukee, WI, and we can help you, too. We know how serious your condition is, and we will do everything in our power to make sure you obtain the veterans disability benefits you deserve without hassles. Call our office now at 844 432 0114 and we will evaluate your case for FREE and provide all the answers you need!